Construction began yesterday on the new development of Quest Serviced Apartments
in Toowoomba and was marked by an official sod turning ceremony. On site for the event were Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio, Deputy Mayor Mike Williams, General Manager of Locations for Quest Serviced Apartments, Andrew Weisz and Executive Chairman of FK Gardner & Sons Group (FKG), Gary Gardner. In addition, a number of representatives from the Toowoomba Regional Council were in attendance.

Mayor Paul Antonio said the landmark development is one of the most important projects to be undertaken in the regional city for many years and will hold a special cultural significance for the people of Toowoomba.

“This is a very exciting project that Quest and FKG are undertaking here in Toowoomba, which will meet an increasing demand from the city’s growing corporate sector for quality, flexible accommodation,” Mayor Antonio said.

“We are thrilled that the new Quest Toowoomba will see the integration of the culturally significant former Church of Christ building on Margaret Street, which is to be restored as the property’s lobby and reception.”

“Quest’s investment reinforces widespread confidence in Toowoomba’s economy as the city strengthens its position as a regional centre for business and government services,” Mayor Antonio added.

The Quest property will be located at 133 Margaret Street in Toowoomba and is expected to open in June 2015.

The property will have 40 apartments comprising of studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments. There will be car parking, a conference room and a gymnasium in the complex.

Toowoomba’s economic growth is underpinned by a cross-section of industries including construction, manufacturing, health and community services, retail, agriculture, government administration and defense.

The economic strength of the city will be further bolstered by the opening of the Wellcamp Airport, scheduled for the second half of 2014. Located only a 15 minute drive from the Toowoomba CBD, the airport will service regular passenger flights, charter flights, fly-in-fly-out and airfreight.

Andrew Weisz said the Quest Toowoomba property is inline with the company’s national growth strategy and reinforces its commitment to meeting the needs of key regional business centres.

“Quest Toowoomba’s location in the central business district is unmatched, ideally placed within close proximity to the best facilities and services, in addition to Queens Park, the Botanic Gardens and the Toowoomba Range,” said Mr Weisz.

“Toowoomba is a major commercial centre with strong growth potential and a solid economic outlook. Quest is very pleased to be developing a flexible, quality accommodation option to meet the needs of the increasing number of corporate travellers visiting the area.”